Let’s face it - we are in tough times economically.  People are losing jobs, businesses are folding, even the Big 3 is in trouble.  So what needs to be done, and how can you keep your head above water?

The internet is the place to turn to.  Even in tough economic times, there is work available. And no other niche offers more for the industrious entrepreneur than freelancing.   It is safe to say that the internet has tripled the need for good solid writers.  Will you be one of them?

Are You A Writer?

If your thoughts have turned to a possible career in freelancing, then it is a safe bet that you have been online for a while.  You have seen how sites like eHow.com, About.com and DoItYourself.com use ordinary people to write their content for them.  It makes good economic sense for these big sites to use independent contractors.  They can afford to pay them a good rate, yet don’t have to worry about benefits, office space or any of the amenities that having an onsite employees means.

Even though there may be many websites that need content such as articles photographs and illustrations, it doesn’t mean they will fall into your lap.  Your competition on the internet will be fierce.  For every writing or illustration job, you will be battling hundreds, if not thousands of competitors.   Before you throw up your hands and give up, take a look at what you can be doing to move yourself in front of the crowd.  It’s easier than you think.

Brand Yourself

Before you jump head-long into the freelance world, begin the process of branding yourself.  If you want to make a living freelance writing, for instance, set up a blog and post to it regularly.  Post articles to the many article directories, and get good ranking in the search engines.   Do some good keyword research, and write a series of good articles.  Join the Warrior’s Forum and offer these articles for sale at a good price.  The WF has a section called “Warriors Special Offers” or WSO.  Sell at a good price, offer quality work, and you are on your way.  The Warrior’s Forum is one place you should be hanging out if you want to make a living online.  There are people who make a fantastic amount of money yearly just by running WSO’s.  You can make little or no progress until you become visible to the market-place.

Give 110%

This goes without saying.  Always meet deadlines, even if you have to set them for yourself.  Give more than just a bargain to clients.  Go the extra mile and give them the best possible customer service that you can.  Never scrimp here.  You are known online by one thing - your reputation.  If you screw up, even once, it can haunt you for the rest of your days.

Build An Impeccable Reputation

If online marketers know you for being a whiner, late on deadlines and having grammar and spelling issues, forget about a career as a freelancer.  There is no excuse for sloppy work.  With today’s word processors, there is no reason for poor spelling and grammar.  Be known as the go-to guy or gal.  Try to beat deadlines, and throw in a little extra.  Because I am involved in 3D modeling, I often will create a 3D view for how-to articles that I throw in for free. Something as simple as a view of a porch railing or stairs will do wonders.  If you write how-to’s, give that a try.  The editor or webmaster will be tickled, and you will win a returning client.

Look For Work!

It’s not going to come to you.  You can be the best writer in the world, but if you are not actively seeking work, you are going to get awfully hungry.  The resources on the web are incredible.  I run across them daily, but I actively search for them.   One caveat here.  Never undersell yourself when taking on work.  There are jobs you can do all day for $1-$5 an article.  Unless you want to sit at the computer all day, then forget about these.  It is your job to insure that you not only give top quality, but receive top pay for your work.  Never prostitute yourself.  It may take you a bit longer to get established, but in the long run, you end up with a good income, and the ability to work for yourself.  And that, really, is the main idea.
Peace,

Charlie~

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